Dell EMC VxRail™ Administration Guide · 2020. 8. 22. · l VMware virtualization products l Data center appliances and infrastructure Note: VxRail HCI System Software includes

Dell EMC VxRail™Version 7.0.x

Administration GuideRev 01

April 2020

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2 Dell EMC VxRail™ Administration Guide

Introduction 7Revision history.................................................................................................. 8About this guide..................................................................................................8Support...............................................................................................................8

Registering for online support................................................................ 8Where to go for support resources........................................................ 9Using SolVe Online for VxRail Series procedures................................... 9Locating your appliance serial number................................................... 9

VxRail documentation........................................................................................ 11

Architecture overview 15Overview of VxRail............................................................................................ 16The VxRail Appliance......................................................................................... 16Storage and virtualization.................................................................................. 17Features............................................................................................................ 17VxRail cluster expansion.................................................................................... 18VxRail deployment options for VMware vCenter server.....................................18

Network planning 21Pre-Engagement Questionnaire (PEQ)............................................................. 2225GbE, 10GbE, or 1GbE switch networking.......................................................22Network requirements...................................................................................... 23VxRail Network Configuration Table................................................................. 24

Licensing your VxRail Appliance 27Setting up vSphere licenses for VxRail..............................................................28

vSphere licensing overview.................................................................. 28Locating your vSphere partner activation code (PAC).........................28Logging into the activation portal.........................................................28Preparing your vSphere license for your VxRail Appliance....................29Assigning a vSphere license to your VxRail Appliance.......................... 30

Setting up vSAN licenses for VxRail..................................................................30vSAN licensing overview...................................................................... 30Locating your vSAN partner activation code (PAC)..............................31Logging into the activation portal......................................................... 31Preparing your vSAN license for your VxRail Appliance........................32Assigning a vSAN license to your VxRail cluster................................... 32

Working with the VxRail Manager Plugin for VMware vCenter 35Overview of the VxRail Manager Plugin for VMware vCenter........................... 36Viewing the VxRail Dashboard...........................................................................37

Using Support eServices...................................................................... 37Using the support knowledge base.......................................................38

Configuring VxRail clusters............................................................................... 39Viewing the VxRail Manager version number........................................39Linking your Online Support account to VxRail Manager......................39Updating VxRail Manager certificates.................................................. 40

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

CONTENTS

Dell EMC VxRail™ Administration Guide 3

Generating a diagnostic log bundle...................................................... 40Configuring a network proxy server......................................................41Enabling Secure Remote Services........................................................42Accessing VxRail ACE (Analytical Consulting Engine).......................... 44Setting Internet online/offline mode.................................................... 45Configuring network traffic throttling.................................................. 45Enabling and disabling cluster health monitoring..................................45Convert an internal vCenter server to an external vCenter server....... 46Updating system software................................................................... 46Viewing installed applications............................................................... 47Using the VxRail Market.......................................................................48

Configuring VxRail hosts...................................................................................50Configuring VxRail host iDRAC settings...............................................50

Viewing Secure Remote Services information................................................... 51Viewing physical system health.........................................................................52

Locating components and viewing hardware health............................. 52Viewing physical disk status.................................................................52Viewing physical node status............................................................... 54Viewing power supply status................................................................55Viewing physical NIC status................................................................. 56

Shutting down a VxRail cluster......................................................................... 56Adding a VxRail host to a cluster.......................................................................57Removing a VxRail host from a cluster..............................................................57

Managing VxRail accounts and passwords 59Updating the vCenter Server management account password......................... 60

Updating an internal vCenter Server management account password....60Updating the management account password with a vsphere.localdomain for an external vCenter Server ................................................60Updating the management account with a localos domain for anexternal vCenter Server with an embedded PSC.................................. 61

Updating the management account for the ESXi host....................................... 61

Other administrative tasks 63Active Directory user management tasks..........................................................64Cluster management tasks................................................................................64Data center management tasks.........................................................................64Datastore management tasks........................................................................... 65DNS management tasks....................................................................................65Secure Remote Services management tasks.................................................... 65ESXi host management tasks............................................................................66External vCSA management tasks.................................................................... 66Internal vCSA management tasks......................................................................67Migrating from a VxRail vCenter Server to a customer-supplied vCenter Server..68iDRAC configuration management tasks...........................................................69iSCSI management tasks.................................................................................. 69Log server management tasks...........................................................................70NFS management tasks.................................................................................... 70NTP server management tasks......................................................................... 70vSphere Distributed Switch (VDS) management tasks..................................... 70VM folder management tasks............................................................................72vSphere Standard Switch (VSS) management tasks........................................ 72

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Contents


VxRail Manager plugin/application management tasks......................................73

Replacing and adding hardware 75Replacing HDD and SSD drives......................................................................... 76

Replacing drives in VxRail Manager......................................................76Adding HDD and SSD drives..............................................................................77

Preparing to add drives in VxRail Manager........................................... 77

Chapter 8

Contents


Contents


CHAPTER 1

Introduction

l Revision history.......................................................................................................................8l About this guide...................................................................................................................... 8l Support................................................................................................................................... 8l VxRail documentation............................................................................................................. 11


Revision historyThe following table lists the revision history for this document.

Table 1 VxRail 7.0.x Administration Guide revision history

Date Revision Description of change

April 28, 2020 01 Initial release to support VxRail 7.0.000.

About this guideThis document describes VxRail, how it works, and how to perform administrative tasks.

The target audience for this document includes customers, field personnel, and partners who wantto manage and operate VxRail clusters. This document is designed for people familiar with:

l Dell EMC systems and software

l VMware virtualization products

l Data center appliances and infrastructure

Note: VxRail HCI System Software includes the VxRail Manager Plugin for VMware vCenter.Throughout this guide the plugin is referred to simply as "VxRail Manager".

SupportCreate an Online Support account to get access to support and product resources for your VxRailAppliance.

If you already have an account, register your VxRail Appliance to access the available resources.

For convenience, you can link your Online Support account with VxRail Manager and accesssupport resources without having to log in separately.

Note: If you plan to set up Secure Remote Services, your Online Support account must belinked to VxRail Manager under the same party ID or the deployment will fail. Your appliancemust also be in an installed state in the Install Base.

Registering for online supportCreate an Online Support account to access support resources.

About this task

After you register, you can:

l Register your system

l Obtain product license files and software updates

l Download VxRail Series product documentation

l Access SolVe Online for VxRail, or download the SolVe Desktop application for hardwarereplacement and upgrade procedures

l Browse the VxRail Series community and support information

l Link your support account for access to resources from within VxRail Manager

Introduction


Procedure

1. Point your Web browser to www.emc.com/vxrailsupport (or http://www.dell.com/support).

2. Fill in your first name, last name, email, and preferred password.

3. Select whether you would like to subscribe to email updates.

4. Click Create an Account.

Support will send you a confirmation email, typically within 48 hours.

Where to go for support resourcesAccess support resources for your VxRail Appliance by doing any of the following:

l In the vSphere Client, select VxRail from the menu and use the Support functions on theVxRail Dashboard.

l Point your Web browser to www.emc.com/vxrailsupport (or https://www.dell.com/support).

Using SolVe Online for VxRail Series proceduresStep-by-step instructions for procedures such as replacing hardware or performing systemadministrative tasks are available through SolVe Online and the SolVe Desktop application.

CAUTION To avoid potential data loss, refer to the VxRail Series procedures in SolVe Online orthe SolVe Desktop application before performing any hardware replacement or upgradeactivity.

Access SolVe Online for VxRail through your Web browser.

For more information about SolVe for VxRail, refer to KB 525271.

You must have an online support account to use SolVe Online.

Locating your appliance serial numberRefer to your VxRail Appliance serial number (also called the "PSNT") if you need to contactCustomer Support about your appliance.

You can look up an appliance serial number in VxRail Manager. You can also find the serial numberprinted on the physical appliance.

The serial number is found in a different physical location depending on which VxRail Appliancemodel you have.

Refer to the following sections to locate your appliance serial number.

Looking up your VxRail Appliance serial number in VxRail ManagerFollow these steps to look up your VxRail Appliance serial number in VxRail Manager.

Procedure

1. On the main page of the vSphere Client click Hosts and Clusters in the left navigation bar.

2. Select your VxRail cluster.

3. Select the Monitor tab.

4. Select VxRail > Appliances from the inner left navigation bar.

5. Click Open physical view for this cluster.

6. Observe the VxRail Appliance serial number, listed under each appliance ID.

The serial number is also called the "PSNT".

Introduction


http://www.emc.com/vxrailsupport

http://www.dell.com/support

http://www.dell.com/support

http://www.emc.com/vxrailsupport

ttps://www.dell.com/support

https://solveonline.emc.com/solve/home/51

https://support.emc.com/kb/525271

Figure 1 VxRail appliance serial number (PSNT) in VxRail Manager

Locating your physical VxRail Appliance serial number (E, G, P, S, and V models)Follow these steps to locate your VxRail Appliance serial number on the following models:

Before you begin

l VxRail E460, VxRail E460F

l VxRail E560, VxRail E560F, E560N

l VxRail E565, VxRail E565F

l VxRail G560, VxRail G560F

l VxRail P470, VxRail P470F



l VxRail P580N

l VxRail S470

l VxRail S570

l VxRail V470, VxRail V470F

l VxRail V570, VxRail V570F

Introduction


About this task

Figure 2 VxRail Appliance product serial number tag (PSNT) location (E, G, P, S, and V models)

Procedure

1. At the front of your VxRail Appliance, in the upper right corner of the chassis, locate theappliance luggage tag.

2. Pull out the blue-tabbed luggage tag.

3. Locate the appliance serial number label on the pull-out tag.

The PSTN is the 14-digit number located on front edge of the luggage tag.

VxRail documentationThe following tables list available documents about VxRail Manager and VxRail appliances.

Table 2 VxRail core administration and lifecycle management documentation

Document Description

SolVe Online for VxRail (Login required) Step-by-step instructions forprocedures such as replacing hardware or performingsystem administrative tasks are available through SolVeOnline and the SolVe Desktop application.For more information about SolVe for VxRail, refer to KB525271.

VxRail Appliance 7.0.x Administration Guide



These documents describe the VxRail appliance, how itworks, and how to perform administrative tasks.

VxRail 7.0.x Release Notes



(Login required) These documents contain a briefdescription of VxRail Manager releases, including lists ofknown issues and workarounds.

Introduction





https://support.emc.com/docu98131

https://www.dellemc.com/en-us/collaterals/unauth/technical-guides-support-information/products/converged-infrastructure/docu91466.pdf





Table 3 VxRail support matrices


VxRail 7.0.x Support Matrix




These documents provide information about supportedsoftware, firmware, and hardware versions for Dell EMCVxRail appliances based on Dell PowerEdge hardware,including the E Series, P Series, S Series, and V Series.

VxRail Appliance Simple Support Matrix This document provides information about externalsoftware compatibility versions for VxRail appliances.

Table 4 VxRail API and Event guides


VxRail Appliance API User Guide This document describes the API for the VxRail applianceversions 4.5.x, 4.7.x, and 7.0.x.

VxRail API Cookbook This document provides sample VxRail API workflows.

VxRail API PowerShell Package (Download package) The VxRail API PowerShell Packageprovides the VxRail API PowerShell user guide andmodules to enable the management of VxRail systemsusing PowerShell cmdlets.

VxRail Event Code Reference (Login required) This reference guide lists the alert andevent codes generated by VxRail Manager.

Table 5 VxRail appliance hardware documentation


VxRail Appliance Owner’s Manuals

l VxRail P580N Owner's Manual

l VxRail Appliances on 14th Generation PowerEdgeServers P Series, V series, and S Series Owner'sManual

l VxRail Appliances on 14th Generation PowerEdgeServers E Series Owner's Manual

l VxRail G560 and G560F Owner's Manual

l VxRail 60 Series Appliance Owner's Manual

l VxRail 100 Series and 200 Series Appliance Owner'sManual

l VxRail G Series Appliance Owner's Manual

These documents describe the various VxRail appliances,including their physical features and technicalspecifications.

VxRail Appliance Getting Started Guides

l VxRail G560 and G560F Getting Started Guide

l VxRail E Series Appliance Getting Started With YourAppliance

These documents describe considerations for unpackingand preparing to install VxRail appliances.

Introduction






https://elabnavigator.emc.com/vault/pdf/EMC_VXRAIL_APPLIANCE.pdf

https://www.dellemc.com/en-us/collaterals/unauth/quick-reference-guides/products/converged-infrastructure/docu91468.pdf


https://download.emc.com/downloads/DL96554



https://www.dellemc.com/en-us/collaterals/unauth/technical-guides-support-information/docu87344.pdf






https://www.dellemc.com/en-us/collaterals/unauth/technical-guides-support-information/products/networking-4/docu80737.pdf







Table 5 VxRail appliance hardware documentation (continued)


l VxRail P Series, S Series, and V Series AppliancesGetting Started With Your Appliance

Table 6 VxRail security guides


VxRail Security Configuration Guide (Login required) This guide provides an overview of theconfiguration, deployment, and usage settings needed toensure secure operation of the VxRail appliance.

VxRail Appliance STIG Compliance Guide (Login required) This document provides guidance on thesecure installation and secure use of the VxRail appliancefor the DoDIN Approved Products List (APL)Deployment Configuration.

Table 7 VxRail planning guides


VxRail vCenter Server Planning Guide This planning guide discusses guidance for the variousvCenter Server deployment options supported on VxRailappliances.

VxRail Planning Guide for Virtual SAN Stretched Cluster This planning guide provides better insights into therequirements necessary for VxRail to implement VirtualSAN Stretched Cluster.

vSAN 2-Node Cluster on VxRail Planning Guide This guide provides information for the planning of aVMware vSAN 2-Node Cluster infrastructure on a VxRailplatform. (Not for VCF on VxRail solution deployments.)

VxRail Networking Guide with Dell EMC S4148-ONSwitches

The deployment guide covers the process of connectinga cluster of VxRail nodes to Dell EMC Networking S4148-ON switches in a high-availability configuration.

VxRail Network Planning Guide This is a network planning and consideration guide forthe VxRail. It provides valuable insight into supportedswitch requirements and the networking required tosupport VxRail.

Networking Guides > VxRail Networking Solutions The networking guides provided on this website assistwith the deployment of your infrastructure and theoptimal connectivity of your Dell EMC Networkingproducts. Click VxRail Networking Solutions for specificVxRail solutions.

VxRail Fabric Automation SmartFabric Services UserGuide

This solution brief provides an overview of how VxRailworks with HCI network fabrics using Dell OS10Enterprise Edition SmartFabric services. (Not for VCF onVxRail solution deployments.)

Introduction






https://www.emc.com/collateral/guide/vxrail-vcenter-server-planning-guide.pdf

https://www.emc.com/collateral/white-papers/h15275-vxrail-planning-guide-virtual-san-stretched-cluster.pdf

https://www.dellemc.com/resources/en-us/asset/technical-guides-support-information/products/converged-infrastructure/h17566-vsan-2node-cluster-on-vxrail-planning-guide.pdf

http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/networking/m/networking_files/20445102

http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/networking/m/networking_files/20445102

https://www.emc.com/collateral/guide/h15300-vxrail-network-guide.pdf

https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln312766/networking-guides?lang=en#VxRail

https://www.dellemc.com/resources/en-us/asset/briefs-handouts/products/converged-infrastructure/dell_emc_solution_brief_smartfabric_for_vxrail.pdf

https://www.dellemc.com/resources/en-us/asset/briefs-handouts/products/converged-infrastructure/dell_emc_solution_brief_smartfabric_for_vxrail.pdf

Introduction


CHAPTER 2

Architecture overview

l Overview of VxRail.................................................................................................................16l The VxRail Appliance..............................................................................................................16l Storage and virtualization...................................................................................................... 17l Features.................................................................................................................................17l VxRail cluster expansion.........................................................................................................18l VxRail deployment options for VMware vCenter server......................................................... 18


Overview of VxRailVxRail, powered by Dell EMC PowerEdge server platforms and VxRail HCI System Software,delivers virtualization, compute, and storage in a scalable, easy to manage, hyperconvergedinfrastructure appliance enabling deep integration across the VMware ecosystem.

The VxRail software bundle includes the following:

l VxRail™ Manager Plugin for VMware vCenter for configuration and management

l VMware vSphere®

, including ESXi

l VMware vCenter Server™

l VMware vSAN™ for storage

l VMware vRealize Log Insight™

Your VxRail Appliance also includes complementary applications such as RecoverPoint for VirtualMachines.

The VxRail ApplianceThe VxRail Appliance includes the appliance hardware, the VxRail Manager Plugin for VMwarevCenter, Secure Remote Services, and access to qualified software products.

Appliance hardware

The VxRail Appliance consists of one to four nodes in a rackmount chassis. Each node has its owncompute and storage resources.

For a list of available VxRail Appliance models refer to the VxRail website.

One or more network switches (25 GbE, 10 GbE, or 1 GbE depending on model), appropriatecables, and a workstation/laptop for the user interface are also required for use with your VxRailAppliance.

VxRail Manager

The VxRail Manager Plugin for VMware vCenter (referred to simply as "VxRail Manager") providesa software stack for software-defined data center (SDDC) building blocks including compute,network, storage, and management. VxRail Manager streamlines deployment, configuration, andmanagement for easier initial setup and ongoing operations.

VxRail Manager also provides integration for services and support to help you get the most out ofyour VxRail Appliance.

With VxRail Manager you can:

l Monitor system health with deep hardware intelligence and graphical representation

l View appliance software versions and updates

l Access Online Support and eServices

l Access community resources such as the user forum and knowledge base

l Use the VxRail Market to access qualified software products

l Perform maintenance operations such as replacing hardware, adding drives, and cycling powerto the cluster or nodes

l Perform system software upgrades

l Add and remove nodes in the cluster



http://www.dellemc.com/en-us/converged-infrastructure/vxrail/index.htm

VxRail ACE (Analytical Consulting Engine)

Your VxRail system allows you to take advantage of VxRail ACE (Analytical Consulting Engine), acentralized data collection and analytics platform that streamlines monitoring of your VxRailclusters, improves serviceability, and helps you make better decisions to manage the performanceand capacity of your pre-engineered hyperconverged infrastructure.

You can access VxRail ACE right from within VxRail Manager, or you can also access VxRail ACEdirectly from your Web browser at https://vxrailace.emc.com/.

Storage and virtualizationVxRail integrates VMware vSAN and virtualization to provide a complete hyperconvergedinfrastructure.

Storage

VMware vSAN is integrated in your VxRail to provide Software-Defined Storage (SDS). vSAN isnot a VSA, but is embedded in the ESXi hypervisor kernel’s I/O data path. As a result, vSAN candeliver the higher performance with minimum CPU and memory overhead.

vSAN pools VxRail's internal SSDs and HDDs on the ESXi hosts to present a single datastore for allhosts in the cluster. vSAN uses a highly available, distributed, object-based architecture. vSANmirrors and distributes the individual virtual disk (VMDK) across the datastore.

Virtualization

VxRail lets virtualization infrastructure administrators manage storage on a per-VM basis. ThisVM-centric approach allows for storage policies to be defined at VM-level granularity forprovisioning and load balancing. vSAN is fully integrated with vSphere, which simplifies setting upthe availability, capacity, and performance policies.

For scale-out, VxRail Manager uses VMware Loudmouth auto-discovery capabilities, based on theRFC-recognized "Zero Network Configuration" protocol, to automatically discover and configureappliances on your network. Loudmouth runs on each ESXi host and in the VxRail Manager virtualmachine. Loudmouth allows VxRail Manager to discover all the nodes and automate theconfiguration. Loudmouth requires IPv6 multicast. The IPv6 multicast communication is strictlylimited to the management VLAN that the nodes use for communication.

FeaturesVxRail offers advanced features including automatic deployment, automatic scale out, faulttolerance, and diagnostic logging.

Automatic deployment

The VxRail Manager fully automates the installation and configuration of all nodes in to a clusterafter you input the network settings.

Automatic scale-out

VxRail provides automated scale-out functionality by detecting a new VxRail node at power-on.VxRail automatically performs scale-out by adding the node to the cluster.

Multi-node expansion capability enables you to add multiple VxRail nodes into the same cluster inparallel, reducing the time required to expand your cluster.

Node failure tolerance

VxRail tolerates node failures as defined by the vSAN policy. Refer to VMware vSANdocumentation on FTT and FTM support for more information.



https://vxrailace.emc.com/

VxRail implements the standard vSAN policy of one failure by default:

l An entire node can fail and the system will continue to function.

l Disk failure cannot affect more than one node.

l One cache disk can affect as many as six capacity disks (HDD/SSD).

l One network port on any node can fail without affecting the node.

Network failover is through the virtual switch configuration in ESXi. This is automaticallyconfigured by VxRail Manager during initial setup.

Logging and log bundles

VxRail provides logging and log bundles through VxRail Manager. These logs provide operation andevent information about your VxRail cluster.

VxRail cluster expansionYour VxRail cluster can be scaled from a minimum of three nodes. The VxRail automatedinstallation and scale-out features make it easy to expand your cluster as your business demandsgrow.

With the VxRail multi-node expansion feature, you can perform cluster expansion with up to sixnodes in parallel, reducing the time that is required to achieve greater compute and storagecapacity.

Standard VxRail models hold from one to four nodes in a rackmount chassis. vSAN 2 Nodeappliance models hold from one to two nodes in a rackmount chassis. You may have a partiallypopulated appliance chassis in the cluster. You can use the empty slots in the chassis for futureexpansion.

You can mix different VxRail models in the same cluster. Adhere to the following guidelines whendeploying a mixed cluster:

l The first four nodes in a cluster must be of the same type and configuration. (If there are onlythree nodes in the cluster they must all be the same type and configuration.)

l All appliances in the cluster must be running VxRail 7.0.000 or higher.

l First-generation appliances (sold under the VSPEX BLUE name) are not supported.

l VxRail appliances based on Quanta hardware are not supported.

l Appliances using 1 GbE networking cannot be used in clusters 10 GbE or 25 GbE networking,and appliances using 10 GbE networking cannot be used in clusters with 25 GbE networking.

l VxRail Intel-based nodes can only be added into a cluster with other Intel-based nodes. VxRailAMD-based nodes can only be added into a cluster with other AMD-based nodes.

l Hybrid nodes cannot be used in clusters with all-flash or all-NVMe nodes.

l All-NVMe nodes cannot be used in clusters with all-flash or hybrid nodes.

Work with your sales representative or reseller when planning your cluster expansion.

VxRail deployment options for VMware vCenter serverYour VxRail cluster can join an existing customer-supplied vCenter server during its initialconfiguration. This allows you to use a remote central vCenter server to manage multiple VxRailclusters from a single pane of glass.

A customer-supplied vCenter server can be installed as internal to the VxRail cluster or as externalto the VxRail cluster. Depending on the vCenter server location and source, the scope of VxRailmanagement may differ as described in the following table.



Table 8 VxRail vCenter Server deployment options

vCenter serversource

Cluster type Deployed internal toVxRail cluster

Deployed external toVxRail cluster

VxRail scope ofmanagement

Supplied by VxRail Regular Default and preferred Not supported Single VxRail cluster

Stretched Supported Not supported Single VxRail cluster

vSAN 2-node Not supported Not supported Not supported

Supplied by thecustomer

Regular Supported Supported Multiple clusters

Stretched Supported Supported andpreferred

Multiple clusters

vSAN 2-node Not supported Default Multiple clusters

The external vCenter server can be:

l Physical or virtual

l Windows or vCSA

l Embedded, or non-embedded deployed with an embedded PSC

To join an existing external vCenter server, provide an existing datacenter and a non-conflictingcluster name during the initial configuration of the appliance. The VxRail appliance joins thedatacenter as a new vSAN cluster with the specified cluster name.

Note: The following considerations apply when using your VxRail with an external vCenterserver:

l Ensure that the external vCenter server version to be used is listed in the VxRail andexternal vCenter interoperability matrix (KB 520355).

l You must provide an appropriate vCenter server license.



http://support.emc.com/kb/520355

http://support.emc.com/kb/520355



CHAPTER 3

Network planning

Before your VxRail appliance is installed, your network switches must be properly configured.Consult with your sales representative or partner to prepare your switches and network beforeinstallation.

For detailed information refer to the Dell EMC VxRail Network Planning Guide. This is a networkplanning and consideration guide for VxRail that provides valuable insight into supported switchrequirements and the networking required to support VxRail.

This chapter discusses the switch and network parameters you must consider to make sure thatyou properly setup up your switch, configure VLANs, reserve IP addresses, and so on.

l Pre-Engagement Questionnaire (PEQ)................................................................................. 22l 25GbE, 10GbE, or 1GbE switch networking........................................................................... 22l Network requirements...........................................................................................................23l VxRail Network Configuration Table......................................................................................24


https://www.dellemc.com/resources/en-us/asset/technical-guides-support-information/products/converged-infrastructure/h15300-vxrail-network-guide.pdf

Pre-Engagement Questionnaire (PEQ)Before your appliance is installed, work with your pre-sales systems engineer, project manager, orpartner to complete the VxRail Appliance Pre-Engagement Questionnaire (PEQ).

The PEQ tool is used to document the Professional Services project installation parametersneeded to successfully install your appliance and to facilitate the communication between thedifferent teams throughout the engagement workflow (pre-sales to project management todelivery).

25GbE, 10GbE, or 1GbE switch networkingYour VxRail relies on your 25GbE, 10GbE, or 1GbE switches for all of the networking betweennodes in the cluster, and between the cluster and the rest of your infrastructure. It is crucial thatyour switches are configured properly for the VxRail cluster to work.

Consult with your sales representative or partner to ensure your switch is properly set up to workwith your VxRail according to the instructions provided by your switch manufacturer. For moredetailed information about switch and network requirements, refer to the VxRail Network PlanningGuide.

The following table lists the general type of switches needed for different VxRail models.

Table 9 VxRail general network switch requirements

VxRail Appliance model Network switch requirement

VxRail E460

VxRail G410, VxRail G410F

VxRail S470

VxRail V470

10GbE or 1GbE

VxRail E460F

VxRail P470F

VxRail V470F

10GbE

VxRail E560F, E560N

VxRail G560F

VxRail P570F

VxRail P580N

VxRail S570F

VxRail V570F

25GbE or 10GbE

Network planning




Network requirementsYour sales representative or partner will work closely with you to ensure you have the followingnetwork resources available before installing VxRail.

25GbE, 10GbE, or 1GbE switches

You must have one or more 25GbE, 10GbE, or 1GbE switches:

l Two or more network switches are recommended for failover, and for installations with morethan four appliances.

l Two switch ports are required for each node. A fully-populated appliance can require eightswitch ports.

Cabling

If you have RJ45 NIC ports on your appliance you need:

l Two to four CAT6 or higher cables per node (these cables are included with RJ45-equippedappliances). A fully-populated appliance requires up to eight cables.

If you have SFP+ NIC ports on your appliance you need:

l Two to four compatible Twinax Direct-Attach-Copper (DAC) cables per node (these cables arenot included; you must supply your own). Active DAC cables should be used if the cable is over5 meters long.

or

l Two to four compatible fiber cables with appropriate transceivers per node (these cables andtransceivers are not included; you must supply your own).

Servers

You must have a DNS server for network address resolution and Secure Remote Services support.

Network planning


VxRail Network Configuration TableUse the Network Configuration Table when planning and configuring your 25GbE, 10GbE, or 1GbEswitches for use with your VxRail.

This table lists the network parameters that are configured during VxRail setup. Use the tablebefore setup to plan your configuration. Work with your sales representative or partner to use thetable during setup to keep track of your entries.

Table 10 Network Configuration Table

Element Category Description Example Customer value

VxRail External ManagementVLAN ID (optionallymodify)

Set external VLAN Managementon ESXi before you configureVxRail. The default is theexternal VxRail managementnetwork, which uses theuntagged native VLAN.

Native VLAN

Internal ManagementVLAN ID

Isolated management networkused for VxRail node discovery.Set VLAN on switches beforeconfiguring VxRail appliance

Default: 3939

VxRail Initial IP Address(optionally modify)

If you cannot reach the defaultVxRail initial IP address(192.168.10.200/24), set analternate IP address

192.168.10.200

System Global settings NTP server(s)

DNS server(s)

Active Directory(optional)

Domain

Username

Password

HTTP Proxy Settings(optional)

IP Address

Port

Username

Password

Management

Hostnames ESXi hostname prefix host

Separator None

Iterator 0X

Top-level domain localdomain.local

vCenter Server hostname vcenter

VxRail hostname vxrail

Networking ESXi starting address for IP pool 192.168.10.1

ESXi ending address for IP pool 192.168.10.4

Network planning


Table 10 Network Configuration Table (continued)

Element Category Description Example Customer value

vCenter Server IP address 192.168.10.101

VxRail Appliance IP address 192.168.10.100

Subnet mask 255.255.255.0

Gateway 192.168.10.254

Passwords ESXi “root”

vCenter Server & VxRailManager“[email protected]”

Platform ControllerServices (optional)

Platform controller serviceshostname

pscserver

vSpherevMotion

Starting address for IP pool 192.168.20.1

Ending address for IP pool 192.168.20.4


VLAN ID 20

v SAN Starting address for IP pool 192.168.30.1

Ending address for IP pool 192.168.30.4


VLAN ID 30

VMNetworks

VM Network name and VLAN ID Sales / 110

VM Network name and VLAN ID Marketing / 120

...

Unlimited number

Solutions Logging vRealize Log Insight hostname loginsight

vRealize Log Insight IP address 192.168.10.102

Syslog server (instead of LogInsight)

Network planning


Network planning


CHAPTER 4

Licensing your VxRail Appliance

Your VxRail Appliance comes with VMware vSphere and vSAN pre-installed. However, you mustsupply vSphere and vSAN licenses to activate the appliance.

Your vSphere licenses can be obtained in one of two ways:

l By leveraging existing available vSphere licenses (for example, from existing ELAs)

l By acquiring new vSphere licenses from one of the following channels:

n Dell EMC direct OEM

n Dell EMC brokerage services

n VMware direct

n Partner (resellers only)

Your vSAN licenses can be obtained in one of two ways:

l By leveraging existing available vSAN licenses from existing ELAs

l By acquiring new vSAN licenses directly from Dell EMC.

Work with your sales representative or reseller to ensure that you have the correct type andquantity of vSphere and vSAN licenses required for your environment.

l Setting up vSphere licenses for VxRail.................................................................................. 28l Setting up vSAN licenses for VxRail...................................................................................... 30


Setting up vSphere licenses for VxRailThe following topics discuss how to apply vSphere licenses for your VxRail nodes.

vSphere licensing overviewThe overall procedure for applying a vSphere license to your VxRail Appliance is outlined here.Refer to the subsequent sections for details of each step.

About this task

Follow these steps to activate the VMware vSphere license on your appliance.Note: Internet access is required for this process. Customers without Internet access at theirsite should work with their sales representative or reseller to obtain their license.

Procedure

1. Locate your partner activation code (PAC).

2. Log into the VMware activation portal and redeem your PAC to receive your vSphere licensekeys.

Use your My VMware credentials or create an account if you don't have one.

3. Prepare a vSphere license key that meets your VxRail Appliance vSphere licenserequirements.

4. Enter your vSphere license key on the vSphere Client and apply it to your VxRail Appliance.

Locating your vSphere partner activation code (PAC)When you buy a VxRail Appliance, you will receive a unique partner activation code (PAC) that youcan use to obtain your VMware vSphere license.

Procedure

1. Locate your PAC.

l A copy of the PAC is emailed to the Bill to and Ship to contacts for your order.

l A copy of the PAC is also sent to any additional email addresses that were entered foryour order.

2. Keep the PAC available as you license your appliance.

Logging into the activation portalLog into the activation portal to redeem your PAC and receive your VMware vSphere license keys.

Procedure

1. Point your Web browser to the activation portal:

https://www.vmware.com/oem/code.do?Name=EMC-AC

2. Log in with your My VMware credentials.

If you do not have a My VMware account, create one using these steps:

a. Click Register under New Customers.

b. Enter your email address, password, and other information.

c. Click to accept the terms and conditions and click Continue.




An email is sent to the address you registered with.

d. In the email, click Activate Now and follow the instructions to complete yourregistration.

3. On the VMware Registration for Partner Activation Codes page, enter your PAC in theActivation Code box.

4. Click Continue and follow the instructions.

You will receive an email containing the vSphere license key. The license key must next beprepared for your VxRail Appliance, and then applied using the vSphere Client.

Preparing your vSphere license for your VxRail ApplianceAfter you redeem your partner activation code (PAC) and receive your vSphere license, you mustarrange your vSphere licenses to match your VxRail Appliance.

Before you begin

You may need to upgrade your license key to match the product version you are using (forexample, vSphere 7.0 or vSphere 6.7, and so on). Refer to the VMware knowledge base article,How to upgrade license keys in My VMware (2006974).

About this task

Procedure

1. Log into your My VMware account.

2. Navigate to the Manage License Keys page.

3. Select the Combine License Keys option.

4. Find and select the proper number of vSphere licenses to support your VxRail Appliance.

VxRail appliance models typically require licenses to support one to four hosts and two toeight CPUs. Work with your Dell EMC or partner representative to ensure that you have theproper type and quantity of licenses available for your environment.

5. Click Combine. (If your vSphere licenses support more than eight CPUs, click DivideLicense Keys instead.)

6. Follow the My VMware on-screen instructions to finish grouping the licenses.

You have the option to email your license key to yourself.

7. Create a folder called VxRail within My VMware with the required vSphere Enterprise PlusCPU license.

After you finish

For additional information on how to manage existing vSphere license keys to meet yourrequirements, work with your sales representative or reseller. You can also refer to the followingVMware knowledgebase articles:

l License key requirements for new versions of VMware products (2059926)

l How to combine license keys in My VMware (2006973)

l How to divide license keys in My VMware (2006972)

l How to upgrade license keys in My VMware (2006974)

l How to downgrade license keys in My VMware (2006975)

l Licensing ESXi 6.x and vCenter Server 6.x (2107538)



http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2006974

https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/2059926





https://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2107538

Assigning a vSphere license to your VxRail ApplianceAfter combining or splitting your vSphere license and making it ready for VxRail Appliance, youmust apply the license using the vSphere Client.

Procedure

1. Log into the vSphere Client.

(You must have Global.Licenses privilege.)

2. Click Home.

3. In the Administration section, click Licensing in the left pane and select the Licensing tab.

4. Click Add New Licenses (the small plus icon: +.)

5. Enter your product license key, one license per line, and click Next.

6. (optional) Add a label to the license. Click Next.

7. Review the details and click Finish to add the license.

8. To assign the new license to a host, click the Assets tab and then click Hosts.

9. Select the host and click Assign License.

(Shift+click to select multiple hosts to license.)

A pop-up window shows all available licenses.

10. Select the appropriate license from the list and click OK to complete the licensing process.

Setting up vSAN licenses for VxRailThe following topics describe how to apply VMware vSAN licenses for your VxRail clusters.

vSAN licensing overviewThe overall procedure for applying a vSAN license to your VxRail Appliance clusters is outlinedhere. Refer to the subsequent sections for details of each step.

About this task

Follow these steps to activate the VMware vSAN license on your cluster.Note: Internet access is required for this process. Customers without Internet access at theirsite should work with their sales representative or reseller to obtain their license.

Procedure

1. If you purchased your vSAN license from Dell, locate your partner activation code (PAC).

If your vSAN license is part of an existing VMware ELA, skip to step 3.

2. Log into the VMware activation portal and redeem your PAC to receive your vSAN licensekeys.

Use your My VMware credentials or create an account if you don't have one.

3. In My VMware, prepare a vSAN license key that meets your VxRail Appliance cluster vSANlicense requirements.

4. Enter your vSAN license key on the vSphere Client and apply it to your VxRail clusters asneeded.



Locating your vSAN partner activation code (PAC)When you buy a vSAN license from Dell EMC, you will receive a unique partner activation code(PAC) that you can use to obtain your VMware vSAN license.

About this task

Note: If you are using a vSAN license that is part of an existing VMware ELA you will notreceive a PAC.

Procedure

1. Locate your PAC.

l A copy of the PAC is emailed to the Bill to and Ship to contacts for your order.

l A copy of the PAC is also sent to any additional email addresses that were entered foryour order.

2. Keep the PAC available as you license your appliance.

Logging into the activation portalLog into the activation portal to redeem your PAC and receive your VMware vSAN license keys.

About this task

Note: If you are using a vSAN license that is part of an existing VMware ELA you will notreceive a PAC, and you can skip this activation process.

Procedure

1. Point your Web browser to the activation portal:


2. Log in with your My VMware credentials.

If you do not have a My VMware account, create one using these steps:

a. Click Register under New Customers.

b. Enter your email address, password, and other information.

c. Click to accept the terms and conditions and click Continue.

An email is sent to the address you registered with.

d. In the email, click Activate Now and follow the instructions to complete yourregistration.

3. On the VMware Registration for Partner Activation Codes page, enter your PAC in theActivation Code box.

4. Click Continue and follow the instructions.

You will receive an email containing the vSAN license key. The license key must next beprepared for your VxRail Appliance, and then applied using the vSphere Client.




Preparing your vSAN license for your VxRail ApplianceAfter you redeem your partner activation code (PAC; if applicable) and receive your vSAN license,you must configure your vSAN licenses to match your VxRail cluster.

Before you begin

You may need to upgrade your license key to match the product version you are using (forexample, vSAN 7.0 or vSAN 6.7, and so on). Refer to the VMware knowledge base article, How toupgrade license keys in My VMware (2006974).

About this task

Procedure

1. Log into your My VMware account.

2. Navigate to the Manage License Keys page.

3. Select the Combine License Keys option.

4. Find and select the proper number of vSAN licenses to support your VxRail cluster.

vSAN Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise licenses are per-CPU (socket) licenses. VxRailappliance models typically have one to four hosts with two CPUs each, therefore requiringtwo to eight CPU vSAN licenses. Work with your Dell EMC or partner representative toensure that you have the proper type and quantity of licenses available for yourenvironment.

5. Click Combine. (If your vSAN licenses support more than eight CPUs, click Divide LicenseKeys instead.)

6. Follow the My VMware on-screen instructions to finish grouping the licenses.

You have the option to email your license key to yourself.

7. Create a folder called VxRail within My VMware with the required vSAN license.

After you finish

For additional information on how to manage existing vSAN license keys to meet yourrequirements, work with your sales representative or reseller. You can also refer to the followingVMware knowledge base articles:

l License key requirements for new versions of VMware products (2059926)

l How to combine license keys in My VMware (2006973)

l How to divide license keys in My VMware (2006972)

l How to upgrade license keys in My VMware (2006974)

l How to downgrade license keys in My VMware (2006975)

l Licensing ESXi 6.x and vCenter Server 6.x (2107538)

Assigning a vSAN license to your VxRail clusterAfter combining or splitting your vSAN license and making it ready for VxRail cluster, you mustapply the license using the vSphere Client.

Procedure

1. Log into the vSphere Client.

(You must have Global.Licenses privilege.)

2. In the Navigator pane, locate the cluster to which you want to apply the vSAN license.




https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/2059926





https://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2107538

3. Right-click the cluster and select Assign License.

4. Click Add New Licenses (the small plus icon: +.)

5. Enter your product license key, one license per line, and click Next.

6. (optional) Add a label to the license. Click Next.

7. Review the details and click Finish to add the license.





CHAPTER 5

Working with the VxRail Manager Plugin forVMware vCenter

Use the VxRail Manager plugin to perform administrative tasks on your VxRail cluster.

Note: Throughout this guide the VxRail Manager Plugin for VMware vCenter is referred tosimply as "VxRail Manager".

l Overview of the VxRail Manager Plugin for VMware vCenter................................................36l Viewing the VxRail Dashboard............................................................................................... 37l Configuring VxRail clusters....................................................................................................39l Configuring VxRail hosts....................................................................................................... 50l Viewing Secure Remote Services information........................................................................51l Viewing physical system health............................................................................................. 52l Shutting down a VxRail cluster..............................................................................................56l Adding a VxRail host to a cluster........................................................................................... 57l Removing a VxRail host from a cluster.................................................................................. 57


Overview of the VxRail Manager Plugin for VMware vCenterVxRail Manager is deployed as a plugin for VMware vCenter. This allows you to administer yourVxRail clusters without leaving the HTML5 vSphere Client.

During the installation or upgrade of VxRail system software the VxRail Manager plugin is installedin your vCenter.

Note: Customers who are familiar with versions of VxRail Manager earlier than 4.7.100 shouldnote the following changes:

l The plugin replaces the VxRail Manager web interface – the web interface is no longeravailable.

l If you try to log into the VxRail Manager web user interface, you are redirected to theVMware HTML5 vSphere Client interface.

l The plugin does not replace the VxRail Manager virtual machine on each VxRail cluster; it isthe user interface for VxRail Manager.

While no functionality is lost from earlier versions of VxRail Manager, the location andpresentation of the functionality has been rearranged and streamlined to provide an integratedexperience within the vSphere Client.

The VxRail Manager Plugin for vCenter includes the following functionality:

l VxRail Dashboard (select VxRail from the vSphere Client menu)

n System health

n Support

n Community activity

n Knowledge base content

l VxRail monitoring features (select a cluster, select Monitor > VxRail)

n Appliances (Physical view)

n Last configuration data sent (SRS dial home)

l VxRail configure features (select a cluster, select Configure > VxRail)

n System

n Updates (life cycle management for performing cluster-level upgrades)

n Certificate (SSL certification)

n Market

n Add VxRail Hosts (add node)

n Hosts (configure host name and IP address)

n Support

n Networking

n Health Monitoring

n Troubleshooting

n iDRAC Configuration (select host first)

l Additional VxRail actions (available from the cluster and hosts context menu)

n Cluster shutdown

Working with the VxRail Manager Plugin for VMware vCenter


n Host shutdown

n Add hosts

n Remove VxRail hosts

Note: Throughout this guide the VxRail Manager Plugin for VMware vCenter is referred tosimply as "VxRail Manager".

Viewing the VxRail DashboardWithin the vSphere Client select VxRail from the menu to view the VxRail Dashboard.

About this task

The VxRail Dashboard shows system health and support resources at a glance, including systemhealth, support, community activity, and knowledge base content.

System Health

Overall System Health shows the high-level system status of your VxRail Appliance. Status isshown as one of the following:

l Healthy: System normal. There are no major problems to address

l Error: An error has occurred. There is an issue that should be addressed when possible.

l Warning: System needs attention. There are some issues that require attention such as a diskspace limit has been reached or an online support heartbeat cannot be sent.

l Critical: Immediate action required. There are events that must be addressed immediately toprevent downtime or data loss.

VxRail Community

VxRail Community shows the most recent articles and other content from the online VxRailcommunity.

Support

Support shows status and links to support resources, including:

l Last Heartbeat: The last time a Secure Remote Services heartbeat was sent (only shown ifSecure Remote Services is enabled).

l Chat with Support: Link to start a chat session with a support representative.

l Open a Service Request: Link to open a new service request ticket for support.

l Download: Available applications and add-ons for your VxRail Appliance.

Knowledge Base

Knowledge Base displays knowledge base articles related to VxRail Manager.

Using Support eServicesAccess Support eServices directly from VxRail Manager.

Before you begin

To use Support eServices, you must have created an account. To create an account visit https://www.dell.com/support.

About this task

VxRail Manager lets you access the following Support eServices:

l Chat with Support: Opens a chat session with a support representative.



https://www.dell.com/support

https://www.dell.com/support

l Open a Service Request: Opens a Web form where you can open a service request.

l VxRail Community: Displays the most recent activity from the VxRail Series communityforums. Click a title to view the discussion.

Chat with SupportOpen a live chat session with support personnel.

Procedure

1. From the vSphere Client menu, select VxRail to get to the VxRail Dashboard.

2. In the Support section, click Chat with Support to start a live chat session with a supportrepresentative.

The chat session opens. VxRail Manager transmits your appliance ID to the supportrepresentative.

Opening a service requestContact Customer Service to request service for your VxRail Appliance.

Procedure

1. From the vSphere Client menu, select VxRail to view the VxRail Dashboard.

2. If you have more than one appliance, click the arrow next to Open a Service Request.

A list of the appliances in your cluster is shown.

3. Click the appliance for which you want service.

A service request form open in a new browser tab. The form is prepopulated withinformation about the appliance you selected.

4. Fill out the required information and click Submit.

5. If you have a single appliance, or want to submit a general service request, click Open aService Request.

A Support eServices page opens in a new browser tab where you can open a request forservice.

Viewing VxRail Series community updatesBrowse and read the most recent activity from the VxRail Series community forums.

Procedure


2. Observe the VxRail Community list.

The most recent activity from the VxRail Series community is shown.

3. Click the title of a message or article to view that topic in a new browser tab.

Using the support knowledge baseSearch, access, and view the support knowledge base.

Procedure


2. Type your search terms in the Knowledge Base search field and press Enter or click themagnifying glass icon.

If you have not linked your support account with VxRail Manager, you will be prompted tolog in with your support credentials.



3. Click any of the returned search results to read that knowledge base article. Or click More...to navigate to the knowledge base website.

Configuring VxRail clustersYou can view and configure VxRail cluster parameters in the vSphere Client by selecting thecluster in the Hosts and Clusters view and clicking the Configure tab.

Cluster-level VxRail parameters include:

l System: Displays the current version of VxRail Manager software running on your applianceand allows VxRail update.

l Updates: Enables performing cluster-level VxRail system upgrades.

l Certificate: Update the VxRail certificate.

l Market: Access to qualified applications to install and run on your VxRail Appliance cluster.

l Add VxRail Hosts: Adds hosts to the VxRail cluster.

l Hosts: View or Modify the hosts within the VxRail cluster.

l Support: Displays the linked Support account and allows you to link or change to a newaccount. Also allows you to edit the Secure Remote Services configuration.

l Networking: Displays the proxy status, allows you to configure proxy settings for Internetconnections, and allows you to configure traffic throttling.

l Health Monitoring: Disable system health monitoring for maintenance purposes.

l Troubleshooting: Displays the last several collected logs and allows you to generate a newcustomized log bundle using types and nodes.

Viewing the VxRail Manager version numberDisplay the current version of VxRail Manager software running on your appliance.

Procedure

1. From the main page of the vSphere Client, click Hosts and Clusters from the leftnavigation bar.

2. Select your VxRail cluster and then click the Configure tab.

3. Click VxRail > System.

The System tab is displayed.

4. Observe About VxRail for the VxRail Manager software version.

Linking your Online Support account to VxRail ManagerFor convenience, you can link your Online Support account with VxRail Manager and accesssupport resources without having to log in separately.

Before you begin

You must have an account before you can link it with VxRail Manager. To create a supportaccount, see Registering for online support.

Procedure

1. From the main page of the vSphere Client, click Hosts and Clusters in the left navigationbar.




3. Select VxRail > Support from the inner left navigation bar.

The Support tab is displayed.

4. Click Edit in the Dell EMC Support Account section.

l Set Support Account (if no account has been set)

l Change Support Account (if an account was previously set)

The Username and Password fields are displayed.

5. Type your account credentials in the Username and Password fields.

Leave both fields blank if you wish to unlink all accounts.

6. Click Login.

VxRail Manager will log into your account and display that your account is in use.

Updating VxRail Manager certificatesUpdate and refresh the SSL certificates of the VxRail Manager running on your appliance.

Procedure

1. From the main page of the vSphere Client click Hosts and Clusters from the left navigationbar.

2. Select the VxRail cluster you want and click the Configure tab.

3. Click VxRail > Certificate from the inner left navigation panel.

The Certificate Manager panel is displayed.

4. Enter the SSL certificate information and password and then click Update.

Generating a diagnostic log bundleCreate and download a diagnostics log bundle for your cluster.

About this task

VxRail Manager compiles a diagnostic log of its own operations. It does not include log informationfor the entire cluster.

Procedure



3. Select VxRail > Troubleshooting from the inner left navigation bar.

The Log Collection tab is displayed

4. Click the Create button.

5. In the dialog box select the types of logs and specific hosts from which the logs will becollected.

6. Click the Generate button.

VxRail Manager will gather diagnostics information and create a TAR file.

7. Wait for the log bundle generation to complete.

8. Click Download to store the file on your local machine.



Configuring a network proxy serverConfigure proxy settings to allow connections to an external network through your proxy server.You can update, enable, and disable the proxy settings.

Before you begin

You must supply an existing proxy server. The type of the proxy should be either HTTP orSOCK4/5.

The following table lists the supported proxy types for VxRail Manager and Secure RemoteServices VE.

Table 11 Supported proxy types

Proxy Type VxRail Manager Secure RemoteServices VE

SOCKS4 without authentication Supported Not supported

SOCKS5 without authentication Supported Supported

SOCKS5 with authentication Supported Not supported

HTTP without authentication(anonymous)

Supported Supported

HTTP with authentication (basicauthentication)

Supported Supported

About this task

The proxy is used for the Internet connection to the VxRail community, knowledge base search,appliance market download, and so on.

The proxy configuration is applied to the Secure Remote Services virtual environment duringSecure Remote Services enablement and activation. After Secure Remote Services is activated,the proxy information can be set from the Secure Remote Services side independently but it willalways be overwritten if new a proxy is set from VxRail Manager.

Procedure



3. Select VxRail > Networking from the inner left navigation bar.

The Configure Network Environment Settings tab is displayed.

4. Verfiy the value of Proxy Status in the Configure Proxy Settings section:

l Disabled: Proxy is not enabled.

l Enabled: Proxy is enabled.

5. Click Edit in the Configure Proxy Settings section.

6. Do one of the following:

l If your proxy status is Disabled, and you need to configure the proxy, proceed to step 7.

l If your proxy status is Enabled, and you need to update the proxy, skip to step 8.

l If your proxy status is Enabled, and you need to disable the proxy, skip to step 9.



7. Click Enable Proxy Setting and enter the information for the proxy you want to configure:

a. Select the expected proxy type from the Type dropdown box.

The supported proxy types includes HTTP SOCKS4, and SOCKS5.

b. Enter the IP/Hostname and Port number of the proxy server you are using.

c. If you choose HTTP or SOCKS5 as the proxy type, you can provide credentials foraccessing the proxy server by checking Autenticate Credential. Provide the usernameand password in the corresponding fields.

d. If Secure Remote Services is enabled, enter the Secure Remote Services adminpassword in the Secure Remote Services password field.

8. Click OK.

The configured proxy settings are enabled for VxRail Manager.

When your proxy status is Enabled, the process is complete. A message “Proxy settingshave been enabled” is displayed.

9. To disable the proxy, do the following:

a. Click the triangle button beside the Update Proxy button.

b. Click Disable Proxy in the dropdown box.

c. If Secure Remote Services is enabled, input the Secure Remote Services adminpassword in the Secure Remote Services password field and click Disable Proxy.

When your proxy status is Disabled, the process is complete. A message “Proxy settingshave been disabled” is displayed.

Enabling Secure Remote ServicesDell Secure Remote Services provides secure, automated access between Support and your VxRailAppliance. You must install and activate an integrated Secure Remote Services or register to anExternal Secure Remote Services gateway to enable some features in VxRail Manager.

You must have a support account before you enable Secure Remote Services. To create a supportaccount, see Registering for online support.

Note: If you plan to set up Secure Remote Services, your Online Support account must belinked to VxRail Manager under the same party ID or it will not work properly.

Customer experience improvement program

An optional part of using Secure Remote Services is providing usage data to Dell's customerexperience improvement program. You decide the level of data about your VxRail environment thatis collected. The types of data collected include environmental usage, performance, capacity, andconfiguration information. Dell uses this information to improve VxRail and your customerexpeirence.

Enabling integrated Secure Remote ServicesFollow these steps to activate integrated Secure Remote Services on your VxRail Appliance.

Procedure







4. Verify the value of SRS Status.

l Not configured: Secure Remote Services is not yet configured.

l Deployed: Secure Remote Services has been installed but not activated.

l Enabled: Secure Remote Services is activated.


l If your Secure Remote Services status is Not configured, proceed to step 6.

l If your Secure Remote Services status is Deployed, skip to step 13.

l If your Secure Remote Services status is Enabled, skip to step 16.

6. Click Edit in the Dell Secure Remote Services section.

7. Select Internal SRS.

8. In the SRS VM IP Address field, enter a valid IP address on the management network usedby your VxRail Appliance.

SRS must be on the same management network as vCenter and VxRail Manager to receivealerts and broadcast them back to Support.

9. Verify that the site ID and contact information are correct.

These fields are pre-filled based on your Support account. However, you can manuallyupdate them if you wish.

10. Set the passwords for the root account and the admin account.

11. Click Next.

12. Select the level of data collected for use in the VxRail customer experience improvementprogram and click Next.

13. Review your information and click Finish.

A status bar is displayed as Secure Remote Services is deployed on your system. When theprocess is complete, an access code is emailed to the address specified for your supportaccount.

14. When your SRS Status is Deployed, click Activate SRS.

The Enable SRS window is displayed.

15. Type or paste the access code in the Access code field.

The access code is valid for 30 minutes. If your code has expired, click Regenerate accesscode to receive a new code by email.

16. Click Submit.

A status bar is displayed as Secure Remote Services is activated on your system. When theprocess is complete, your Secure Remote Services status shows Enabled.

17. When your Secure Remote Services status is Enabled, the process is complete.

Enabling external Secure Remote ServicesFollow these steps to configure external Secure Remote Services on your VxRail Appliance.

Procedure







4. Verify the value of SRS Status.

l Not Configured: Secure Remote Services is not activated.

l Deployed: Secure Remote Services has been installed but not activated.

l Enabled: Secure Remote Services is activated.


l If your Secure Remote Services status is Not Configured, proceed to step 6.

l If your Secure Remote Services status is Deployed, skip to step 12.

l If your Secure Remote Services status is Enabled, skip to step 12 or 13.

6. Click Edit in the Dell Secure Remote Services section.

The Enable Secure Remote Services window is displayed.

7. Select External SRS.

The fields for configuring external Secure Remote Services are displayed.

8. In the SRS VM IP Address field, enter one or more external Secure Remote Services IPaddresses for VxRail Manager registration (up to 10).

9. Enter the site ID.

10. Select the level of data collected for use in the VxRail customer experience improvementprogram and click Next.

11. Review your information and click Finish.

12. Click Submit.

When your Secure Remote Services status shows as Enabled, the process is complete.

Accessing VxRail ACE (Analytical Consulting Engine)VxRail ACE (Analytical Consulting Engine) is a centralized data collection and analytics platformthat streamlines monitoring of your VxRail clusters, improves serviceability, and helps you makebetter decisions to manage the performance and capacity of your pre-engineered hyperconvergedinfrastructure.

About this task

You can access VxRail ACE right from VxRail Manager.

Note: You can also access VxRail ACE directly from your Web browser at https://vxrailace.emc.com/.

Procedure



3. Click VxRail > Support from the inner left navigation panel.

4. Click the VxRail ACE panel to go to the VxRail ACE home page.

VxRail ACE will open in a separate browser tab. This requires Internet connectivity.





Setting Internet online/offline modeFollow these steps to enable or disable your VxRail Appliance's connection to the Internet.

About this task

Note: Some VxRail Manager features are disabled when the appliance Internet connection isdisabled.

Procedure


2. Select your VxRail cluster and then click VxRail > Networking from the inner left navigationbar.

The Configure Network Environment Settings tab is displayed.

3. In the Internet Connection section, set Connection Status to one of the following:

l Enabled: Internet access for your appliance is enabled.

l Disabled: Internet access for your appliance is disabled.

Results

When Connection Status is set to Disabled, some VxRail Manager features are disabled. Amessage is displayed for the disabled features.

Configuring network traffic throttlingSet the communication frequency between VxRail Manager and vCenter. Setting a highercommunication frequency could have a negative impact on network bandwidth consumption.

Procedure



3. Click VxRail > Networking from the inner left navigation panel.

The Configure Network Environment Settings panel is displayed.

4. In the Traffic Throttle Configuration panel select one of the following:

l None: No communications.

l Basic: Minimal communications.

l Medium: Moderate level communications.

l Advanced: Most complete communications.

Enabling and disabling cluster health monitoringFollow these steps to set whether VxRail Manager monitors the system health of the cluster.

About this task

Cluster health monitoring is normally enabled. You may want to disable it when you are performingservice, such as replacing disks and so on.

Procedure




2. Select your VxRail cluster and then select VxRail > Health Monitoring from the inner leftnavigation bar.

3. In the VxRail Cluster Health Monitoring section, set Health Monitoring Status one of thefollowing:

l Enabled: Cluster health is monitored and reported. This is the default setting.

l Disabled: Cluster health is not monitored.

Results

When cluster health monitoring is disabled (Health Monitoring Staus set to Disabled) VxRailManager displays a banner indicating that monitoring is muted. You can close the banner byclicking the X on the right side of the banner.

Convert an internal vCenter server to an external vCenter serverYou can convert a VxRail-supplied vCenter server (also called an "internal" vCenter server) to acustomer-supplied vCenter server (also called an "external" vCenter server).

About this task

This is a one-way conversion from VxRail-supplied to customer-supplied vCenter server. It cannotbe performed the other way around. After converting to a customer-supplied vCenter server, theserver and PSC life cycle are no longer managed by VxRail Manager.

Procedure



3. Click VxRail > System from the inner left navigation panel.

4. In the Convert vCenter Mode panel click Edit... and enter the appropriate information.

Updating system softwareUse the system update feature of the VxRail Manager Plugin for VMware vCenter to installupdates for the system software installed on your VxRail.

About this task

Note: Do not use VMware vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM, also called VMware vSphereUpdate Manager or VUM) to update any of the components managed and updated by VxRailManager.

Note: You may not be able to update your system software in some circumstances:

l If you are using a stretch cluster VxRail configuration with VxRail software 4.7.2xx orearlier.

l If your cluster is in an unhealthy state or has critical health alarms

Open a service request, or contact your sales representative or reseller to arrange help inupdating your system.

Procedure


2. Select the VxRail cluster you want to update in the left navigation pane and then click theConfigure tab.



3. Select VxRail > Updates from the inner left navigation bar.

Three tabs are displayed:

l System: This tab lists the Current VxRail System Version and the InstalledComponents and Versions.

l Internet Updates: This tab allows you to download a new version of the VxRail systemsoftware. (Internet access is required.) If more than one version is available you canselect ALL Available System Updates to list all of them or Recommended SystemUpdates to list the recommended update for your cluster.

l Local Updates: This tab allows you to upload a new version of the software from yourlocal storage. This is useful if you do not have Internet access from your VxRailappliance.

4. Click the option you want.

The software is uploaded to the vSAN.

5. Click Continue Update to begin upgrading the software.

6. On the Schedule page choose Update Now or Schedule Update.

7. Click Next.

The Specification page is displayed.

8. Enter the Required Information to Upgrade VxRail System, such as VxRail Manager rootaccount and password, vCenter Server administrator account and password, PSC rootaccount and password, and the vCenter Server root account and password. Then clickNext.

9. Click Next to verify the Target Version and Minimum Estimated Time on the Summarypage.

10. Click Finish (optional).

VxRail Manager performs a series of system checks and begins the update process. Theupgrade process status is displayed. When the process is done, VxRail Manager displays"Upgrade complete". If any problems are encountered during installation, VxRail Managerdisplays an appropriate message and steps to correct the issue.

11. Click Refresh to reload the System screen.

When the installation is complete, the new version is displayed in the Installed Componentslist.

Viewing installed applicationsThe VxRail > System > Updates > Installed Components and Versions display allows you toview information about the system components and applications installed on your VxRail.

Procedure


2. Select the VxRail cluster you want to view in the left navigation and click the Configure tab.

3. Select VxRail > System from the inner left navigation bar.

The System tab is displayed.

4. In the Helpful Information section, click Update.

5. Scroll the Installed Components and Versions list, if necessary, to view system softwareinstalled on your VxRail cluster.



The list includes a description and version number for each component and applicationinstalled. If a newer version is available, the Internet Upgrade button is also displayed.

6. To view the components of the installed system software, click Installed Components.

The VxRail Manager, vCenter, ESXi, VxRail VIB, and PTAgent versions are displayed.

Results

l If the installed software version is different from the factory version or the last upgradedversion, VxRail Manager shows “The version is <xxx> (supported, reference version is <yyy>)”.Related system events are generated.

l If the installed software version is not supported, VxRail Manager shows “The version is <xxx>(not supported). See KB 500665”. Related system events are generated.

l If the installed software version is incompatible with other software, VxRail Manager shows“The version is <xxx> (incompatible with <yyy>). See KB 500666”. Related system event aregenerated.

Using the VxRail MarketThe VxRail Market lets you download, install, and upgrade qualified software products for yourVxRail.

About this task

Choose from a list of applications that add functionality, protection, or management to yourVxRail.

Procedure


2. Select the VxRail cluster you want to work with in the left navigation and then click theConfigure tab.

3. Select VxRail > Market from the inner left navigation bar.

The Market tab is displayed.

4. Click Open market view.

The VxRail Market opens in a new browser tab.

5. Scroll the Available Applications for this Cluster list, if necessary, to view all theapplications available for your VxRail.

The list includes a description and version number for each application.

6. Filter the application list using the filter selector at the top of the list, if desired.

7. Click Learn more if you want to view information about the application.

The application page opens in a separate browser tab.

8. In the VxRail Market window, do one of the following to install the application on yourappliance:

l Click Install to install an application directly.

l Click Download to navigate to an external Web page where you can download and installthe application.

Refer to Installing an application from the VxRail Market. You can install multiple instancesof an application.

9. Multiple instances of an application may be installed. To view and manage instances do thefollowing:



a. Click the arrow next to the name of the application to expand the instance listing.

If there is only one instance of an application, the expand arrow is not displayed.

b. Scroll to the instance you want to manage.

c. View and manage the instance of the application as desired.

The following status messages may be displayed for an application instance:

l Downloading: The application is currently downloading.

l Pending: The application is waiting until another application finishes downloading.

l IP address: The application is installed.

Installing an application from the VxRail MarketInstall a qualified software product from the VxRail Market.

Procedure


2. Select the VxRail cluster you want to work on in the left navigation pane and then click theConfigure tab.




The VxRail Market window opens in a new browser tab.

5. Scroll the Available Applications for this Cluster list to find the application you want.

6. Click Install to install the application.

7. Fill out the fields as appropriate for the application being installed. For example, you mayenter:

l Virtual Machine Name

l IP Management address

l Time zone

The fields vary depending on the application. Some fields may be pre-populated.

8. Click Install.

A status bar shows the progress of the installation. The status messages include:

l Downloading: The application is currently downloading.

l Pending: The application is waiting until another application finishes downloading.

l IP address: The application is installed.

9. To install multiple instances of an application, repeat this procedure.

Managing applications and add-ons with VxRail ManagerManage your installed software products from the VxRail Market.

Procedure




2. Select the VxRail cluster you want to work on in the left navigation pane and then click theConfigure tab.




The VxRail Market window opens in a new browser tab.

5. Scroll the Available Applications for this Cluster list to find the application you want.

Filter the application list using the filter at the top of the list, if desired.

6. If there are multiple instances of the application, follow these steps:

a. Click the arrow next to the name of the application to expand the instance listing.

If there is only one instance of an application, the expand arrow is not displayed.

b. Scroll to the instance you want to manage.

7. For the selected application, do either of the following:

l Click Open to view the VM console.

l Click Manage to view the application's management interface. (Not every applicationhas a management option.)

Configuring VxRail hostsThe VxRail Manager Plugin for VMware vCenter lets you configure certain parameters that applyto the hosts in your VxRail cluster.

Configuring VxRail host iDRAC settingsFollow these steps to configure the VxRail Appliance host Integrated Dell Remote AccessController (iDRAC) settings.

Procedure


2. Select the VxRail host in which you are interested in the left navigation bar and then clickthe Configure tab.

3. Select VxRail > iDRAC Configuration from the inner left navigation bar.

4. To modify network settings, click Edit next to the IPv4 Settings section, modify thesettings, and click Apply.

5. To modify VLAN settings, click Edit next to the VLAN Settings section, modify thesettings, and click Apply.

6. To add an iDRAC user, click Add next to the Users section, fill in the user information, andclick Apply.



Viewing Secure Remote Services informationYou can verify your VxRail Secure Remote Services "heartbeat" (the last time your systemcommunicated with the remote support service). You can also review the configuration data thatwas sent to Secure Remote Services (SRS).

Before you begin

Your VxRail can use Secure Remote Services either integrated on the cluster, or through anexternal Secure Remote Services gateway. For integrated Secure Remote Services, it must beinstalled and enabled on your VxRail Appliance. You must have a support account before youactivate Secure Remote Services. See Enabling Secure Remote Services .

Procedure

1. On the main page of the vSphere Client click Hosts and Clusters.

2. Select your VxRail cluster in the left navigation bar.

3. Click the Monitor tab.

4. Select VxRail > Last Configuration Data Sent from the inner left navigation bar.

5. Observe the Cluster Information and Appliance Information sections to review the datathat was sent to SRS.

Click a section's title to expand or collapse it.

Click Expand All to expand all the sections.

6. If desired, click Download to download an XML file containing the configuration data thatwas most recently sent to Secure Remote Services.

Results

The configuration data contains the following information about your VxRail cluster and appliances:

l Cluster Information

n Cluster ID: The ID of the cluster.

n CSI Site ID: The site ID for the cluster.

n Last Inventory: Time the inventory was sent to SRS.

n Connected: SRS connection status.

n Health State: Cluster health status when data was sent.

n Operational Status: Cluster operation status when data was sent.

n Product Version: Installed version of VxRail.

n VxRail Manager Version: Installed version of VxRail Manager.

n vCenter Version: Installed version of vCenter.

n vCenter License: The installed vCenter license.

l Appliance Information

n PSNT: The appliance serial number.

n Model: the VxRail model of the appliance.

n Chassis Description: Description of the appliance chassis in the cluster.

n Chassis Serial Number: The hardware serial number (this will oftne be similar to the PSNT).



n Chassis Part Number: Appliance chassis part number (may be the same as the model).

n Power Supply: Configuration information for the power supplies installed in the chassis.

n Node Information: Configuration information for the nodes in stalled in the chassis.

Viewing physical system healthThe VxRail Manager Physical View window displays information about the hardware componentsof your host appliance. A graphical representation of the host appliances in your cluster makes iteasy to navigate for event and status information.

Use the Health view to view the following:

l Appliances in the cluster: View appliance status and information such as ID, serial number, andso on.

l Individual appliance components: Drill down to see status and information for appliancecomponents such as disks, compute nodes, and power supplies.

Locating components and viewing hardware healthQuickly locate and identify health status on any host appliance in the cluster.

Procedure

1. On the main page of the vSphere Client, click Hosts and Clusters and select the VxRailhost appliance you want to view from the left navigation bar.

2. Click the Monitor tab and select VxRail > Physical View from the inner left navigation bar.

The Front View and Back View of the appliance are displayed.

3. If a status icon is displayed next to an appliance, click the Alerts tab in the right pane of thewindow to see more information.

4. Click any appliance component to view more details.

l Click a Disk in the Front View or Back View to see disk status and information.

l Click a power supply in the Back View to see power supply status and information.

l Click a NIC in the Back View to view network information.

Node information is displayed in the right pane of the Physical View window.

Viewing physical disk statusView status and information for any host appliance disk in a cluster.

Procedure

1. On the main page of the vSphere Client, click Hosts and Clusters.

2. Select your VxRail cluster from the left navigation bar.

3. Click the Monitor tab.

4. Select VxRail > Appliances from the inner left navigation bar.

5. Click an appliance and then select View Host Details from the Actions menu.

The Physical View window is displayed, showing the Front View and Back View of theappliance.

6. Click a Disk in the Front View or Back View.

The Disk Information panel is displayed for that disk.



Results

The Disk Information panel lists disk status and information about the drive, such as:

l Status LED on/off

l Serial number

l Protocol

l Enclosure and slot location

l Disk type

l Manufacturer

l Capacity

l Remaining rated write endurance level for SSDs

l Alert information

Switching a disk locator LED on and offSwitch a disk's locator LED indicator on or off. The disk LED flashes to help locate the disk in ahost appliance.

Procedure

1. On the main page of the vSphere Client, click Hosts and Clusters and select your VxRailcluster from the left navigation bar.

2. Click the Monitor tab and select VxRail > Appliances from the inner left navigation bar.

3. Click an appliance and then select View Host Details from the Actions menu.


4. Click a Disk in the Front View.

The Disk Information panel is displayed for that disk.

5. Click Actions.

6. Select the action you want:

l Enable Disk LED starts flashing the disk LED.

l Disable Disk LED stops flashing the disk LED.

Checking an SSD's remaining rated write enduranceDisplay the remaining rated write endurance (RRWE) for an SSD in your VxRail appliance.

About this task

For SSD drives, the Disk Information panel displays a message when the remaining rated writeendurance reaches certain levels:

l Warning: 30% rated write endurance remaining

l Error: 20% rated write endurance remaining

l Critical: 5% rated write endurance remaining

The Error and Critical levels are reported on the VxRail Manager dashboard.

Follow these steps to view the SSD remaining rated write endurance notification:

Procedure





3. Click an appliance then select View Host Details from the Actions menu.


4. Click an SSD in the Front View or Back View.

The Disk Information panel is displayed for that SSD.

5. Observe the remaining rated write endurance notification (if displayed).

Viewing physical node statusView compute, boot device, and NIC status and information for any appliance node in a cluster.

Procedure



3. Click the picture of the appliance you want to view and then click the View Host Details link(hostname) on the right side of the window.


4. Observe the node information in the panel on the right side of the window.

Click Boot Device to view information about the node's boot devices.

Click Alerts to view any active alerts for that node.

Results

The node information panel lists status and information about the node, such as:

l Hostname

l Status LED on/off

l Power status

l Serial number

l Health status

l Manufacturer

l Slot number

l Firmware versions

l Component versions

l Boot device serial number and statistics

Switching a node chassis LED on and offSwitch a node's chassis LED indicator on or off. The chassis LED flashes to help locate the nodeappliance in a rack.

Procedure







4. Click Actions.

5. Select the action you want:

l Enable System LED starts flashing the chassis LED.

l Disable System LED stops flashing the chassis LED.

Shutting down a single nodeShut down an individual node in a cluster. This is useful when replacing node hardware orperforming other maintenance tasks.

Procedure


2. Click the Monitor tab and select VxRail > Pkysical View from the inner left navigation bar.



4. Click Actions and select Shutdown Host.

The Shutdown Host window is displayed as VxRail Manager begins the shut down pre-check routine.

5. Correct any issues detected by the pre-check routine.

6. When the pre-check routine completes successfully, click Continue to shut down the node.

Results

During the pre-check routine, VxRail Manager checks the following:

l Checks and ensures the hosts aren't in maintenance mode

l Checks and ensure that cluster health monitoring is on

l Checks and ensures the hosts are connected

l Checks and ensures that DRS is enabled, or that all VMs on this host have been shut down

l Checks and ensures all VMs with vGPU enabled have been shut down

Viewing power supply statusView status and information for the power supplies of any appliance disk in a cluster.

Procedure





4. Click a power supply in the center area of the Back View.

The Power Supply Information panel is displayed for that power supply.



Results

The Power Supply Information panel lists status and information about the power supply, suchas:

l Serial number

l Manufacturer

Viewing physical NIC statusView NIC status and network information for your VxRail appliance.

Procedure

1. On the main page of the vSphere Client, click Hosts and Clusters and select your VxRailhost from the left navigation bar.




4. Click a NIC in the Back View.

The NIC Information panel is displayed for that NIC.

Results

The NIC Information panel lists status and information about the node, such as:

l MAC address

l Link speed

l Link status

l Port number

l Firmware version

Shutting down a VxRail clusterYou can shut down your VxRail cluster from VxRail Manager. This feature provides a graceful,automated process for properly shutting down a cluster.

About this task

When you shut down a cluster, VxRail Manager automatically does the following:

l Shuts down related virtual machines and services

l Performs system health diagnostics and maintenance mode diagnostics

l Indicates any errors or conditions that prevent shutting down

Follow these steps to shut down a VxRail cluster:

Procedure

1. In the main page of the vSphere Client, click Hosts and Clusters in the left navigation barand select the VxRail cluster you want.

2. Click the Actions menu next to the cluster name and select VxRail > Shut Down.

The Shut Down Cluster dialog box is displayed.

3. Click Next to continue shutting down.



VxRail Manager begins a precheck of the system and displays the progress on the Validatepage.

4. If the shutdown precheck process fails, VxRail Manager lists error messages. Resolve anyissues and retry by clicking Back and then Next.

You can also click Ignore if the error unimportant and then click Next.

5. On the Confirm Operation page, click Next to initiate the shutdown.

A progress bar is displayed as the automated shut down process continues.

6. Click Close to exit.

Wait for all the LEDs to turn off.

Results

When the shut down process is complete, VxRail Manager indicates that shut down is successful.

If the process does not complete successfully, follow the on-screen prompts to correct any errors.

Adding a VxRail host to a clusterFollow these steps to add a new VxRail host to an existing cluster.

Procedure

1. From the main page of the vSphere Client select Hosts and Clusters from the leftnavigation bar.

2. Click the cluster to which you want to add a VxRail host.

3. Click VxRail > Add VxRail Hosts from the inner left navigation panel.

Alternatively, you can click the Actions menu next to the cluster name and select VxRail >Add vxRail Hosts.

The Add VxRail Hosts window is displayed, listing any discovered hosts.


a. To add a host within the same rack space select the host and click Add Host. This islevel 2 from a network configuration perspective.

b. To add a host from another rack space that is set up to use a TOR switch and spineswitch for connectivity, click Add Proxy and specify a proxy node from that target rackspace and begin the VxRail host addition procedure. This is level 3 from a networkconfiguration perspective.

Level 2 and level 3 models are not compatible. VxRail does not support converting from oneto the other. Clicking Add Host launches the level 2 procedure. Clicking Add Proxy triggersa wizard to identify the proxy node on another rack to start the level 3 procedure.

Removing a VxRail host from a clusterFollow these steps to remove a VxRail host from a cluster.

Procedure

1. From the main page of the vSphere Client select Hosts and Clusters from the leftnavigation bar.

2. Click the VxRail host you want to remove from its cluster.



3. Click the Actions menu next to the cluster name and select VxRail > Remove VxRail Host.

The Remove Host window is displayed.

4. Enter the appropriate credentials and click Verify Credentials.

5. When the verification succeeds, click Apply to start the host removal process.

You can monitor the progress of the process in the vCenter Recent Tasks list.



CHAPTER 6

Managing VxRail accounts and passwords

When the management account password changes or expires in vCenter Server or the ESXi host,VxRail Manager detects the change and prompts you to update the new password in VxRailManager.

These procedures describe how to update the vCenter and ESXi account passwords in VxRailManager.

l Updating the vCenter Server management account password..............................................60l Updating the management account for the ESXi host........................................................... 61


Updating the vCenter Server management account passwordWhen the management account changes or expires in vCenter, VxRail Manager mutes healthmonitoring and displays an alert on the VxRail manager Physical view and Market pages. The alertincludes an Update passwords link that allows you to update the passwords in VxRail Manager.

Depending on your vCenter configuration, the procedure for updating the passwords may differ.Refer to the following procedures for the steps to update your vCenter.

After VxRail Manager is updated with the new passwords, the system returns to normal and healthmonitoring is unmuted.

Updating an internal vCenter Server management account passwordFollow these steps to update the management account password for an internal vCenter Server.

Procedure

1. Log into the HTML5 vSphere Client.

2. Navigate to VMs and Templates > VMware vCenter Server Platform ServicesController.

3. Click on the console and log in as root.

4. Select Troubleshooting Mode Options.

5. Press Enter and make sure Bash shell is Enabled.

6. Press ALT+F1 to log into the shell, and log in with the root account.

7. Type the command: passwd <management user>8. Enter a new password.

9. Retype the new password to confirm it.

10. In the VxRail Dashboard, click Update passwords in the alert box.

11. In the Update passwords window, enter the new password at the popup window.

12. Click Submit to make your changes.

Updating the management account password with a vsphere.local domain for anexternal vCenter Server

Follow these steps to update the password of a management account with a vsphere.local domainfor an external vCenter Server.

Procedure

1. Log into the HTML5 vSphere Client.

2. Click Administration > Single Sign-On > Users and Groups.

3. Click the Users tab.

4. Right-click the VxRail management username you want and select Edit User.

5. Enter the current password.

6. Enter a new password in the Password field.

7. Re-enter the new password in the Confirm Password field.

8. Click OK.






Updating the management account with a localos domain for an externalvCenter Server with an embedded PSC

Follow these steps to update the password of a management account with a localos domain for anexternal vCenter Server with an embedded PSC.

Procedure

1. Log into the vSphere Web Client.

2. Navigate to VMs and Templates > VMware vCenter Server Appliance.

3. Click the console and log in as root.

4. Select Troubleshooting Mode Options.

5. Press Enter and make sure Bash shell is Enabled.

6. Press ALT+F1 to log into the shell, and log in with the root account.

7. Type the command: passwd <management user>8. Enter a new password.

9. Retype the new password to confirm it.




Updating the management account for the ESXi hostWhen the management account changes or expires for the ESXi host, VxRail Manager muteshealth monitoring and displays an alert. The alert includes an Update passwords link that allowsyou to update the passwords in VxRail Manager.

About this task

After VxRail Manager is updated with the new passwords, the system returns to normal and healthmonitoring is unmuted.

Procedure

1. Log into the to the ESXi host.

2. Click Navigator > Manage.

3. Click Security & users, and select Users.

4. Choose the management user you want, click Edit user.

5. Enter a new password.

6. Confirm the new password.

7. Click OK.








CHAPTER 7

Other administrative tasks

You can perform various administrative tasks outside of VxRail Manager. Not every task issupported on every version of VxRail system software. Instructions for how to perform these tasksare found in either SolVe Online for VxRail or in the VMware vSphere documentation.


The following sections list the administrative tasks you can perform, and where to find theinstructions.

l Active Directory user management tasks.............................................................................. 64l Cluster management tasks.................................................................................................... 64l Data center management tasks............................................................................................. 64l Datastore management tasks................................................................................................65l DNS management tasks........................................................................................................ 65l Secure Remote Services management tasks.........................................................................65l ESXi host management tasks................................................................................................ 66l External vCSA management tasks.........................................................................................66l Internal vCSA management tasks.......................................................................................... 67l Migrating from a VxRail vCenter Server to a customer-supplied vCenter Server.................. 68l iDRAC configuration management tasks............................................................................... 69l iSCSI management tasks.......................................................................................................69l Log server management tasks............................................................................................... 70l NFS management tasks.........................................................................................................70l NTP server management tasks..............................................................................................70l vSphere Distributed Switch (VDS) management tasks..........................................................70l VM folder management tasks................................................................................................ 72l vSphere Standard Switch (VSS) management tasks.............................................................72l VxRail Manager plugin/application management tasks.......................................................... 73


https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/index.html


Active Directory user management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on managing AD users, refer to SolVe Online for VxRail.

The following table lists the AD user administrative tasks by VxRail system software release.

Table 12 AD user management tasks

Task 4.0.xxx 4.5.x 4.7.xxx 7.0.xxx Notes

AD Authentication inExternal vCenter Server

Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to SolVe Online forVxRail

Join an Active DirectoryDomain


Cluster management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on managing clusters, refer to SolVe Online for VxRail or VMwarevSphere documentation.

The following table lists the cluster administrative tasks by VxRail system software release.

Table 13 Cluster management tasks

Task 4.0.xxx 4.5.xxx 4.7.xxx 7.0.xxx Notes

Change DRS Setting Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to vSpheredocumentation, "DisableDRS"

Change the VxRail ClusterEVC Mode


Change HA Setting Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to vSphereDocumentation, "vCenterHigh Availability"

Rename the VxRail Cluster Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to SolVe Online forVxRail

Data center management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on managing data center settings, refer to SolVe Online for VxRail.

The following table lists the data center administrative tasks by VxRail system software release.

Table 14 Data center management tasks

Task 4.0.1xx 4.0.200, 4.0.3xx,4.0.4xx, 4.0.5xx

4.5.xxx 4.7.xxx 7.0.xxx Notes

Rename the VxRailData Center

Notsupported

Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to SolVe Onlinefor VxRail



Table 14 Data center management tasks (continued)

Task 4.0.1xx 4.0.200, 4.0.3xx,4.0.4xx, 4.0.5xx


(customer-suppliedvCenter)

Rename the VxRailData Center (VxRail-supplied vCenter)

Notsupported


Datastore management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on managing datastores, refer to SolVe Online for VxRail.

The following table lists the datastore administrative tasks by VxRail system software release.

Table 15 Datastore management tasks


Rename the VxRailDatastore


DNS management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on managing DNS servers, refer to SolVe Online for VxRail.

The following table lists the DNS administrative tasks by VxRail system software release.

Table 16 DNS management tasks

Task 4.0.1xx 4.0.200, 4.0.3xx,4.0.4xx, 4.0.5xx


Change VxRailCluster's DNS IPAddress (customer-supplied vCenter)

Notsupported


Change VxRailCluster's DNS IPAddress (VxRail-supplied vCenter)

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to SolVe Onlinefor VxRail

Secure Remote Services management tasksAfter Secure Remote Services is installed and activated on your VxRail appliance, you cannotchange the parameters listed in the following table.

The following table lists the Secure Remote Services administrative tasks by VxRail systemsoftware release.



Table 17 Secure Remote Services management tasks


Delete Secure RemoteServices

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Change the Secure RemoteServices IP address

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Change the Secure RemoteServices hostname

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Rename the SecureRemote Services VM

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

ESXi host management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on managing ESXi hosts, refer to SolVe Online for VxRail.

The following table lists the ESXi host administrative tasks by VxRail system software release.

Table 18 ESXi host management tasks

Task 4.0.1xx 4.0.200, 4.0.3xx,4.0.4xx, 4.0.5xx


Change the ESXIhost name and IPAddress

Notsupported

Yes Yes Yes Yes Contact Support

Change the VxRailExternalManagement UserPassword


Change the VxRailESXi Root Password


External vCSA management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on managing the vCenter Server Virtual Appliance (vCSA) on VxRailsystems with an external vCenter, refer to SolVe Online for VxRail or the VMware vSpheredocumentation.

The following table lists the vCSA administrative tasks for external vCenter systems by VxRailsystem software release.

Table 19 vCSA (external vCenter) management tasks

Task 4.0.1xx 4.0.200, 4.0.3xx,4.0.4xx, 4.0.5xx

4.5.x 4.7.xxx 7.0.0xx Notes

Change the vCSA IPaddress

Notsupported

Not supported Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported



Table 19 vCSA (external vCenter) management tasks (continued)

Task 4.0.1xx 4.0.200, 4.0.3xx,4.0.4xx, 4.0.5xx

4.5.x 4.7.xxx 7.0.0xx Notes

Rename the vCSAhost

Notsupported


Notsupported

Notsupported

Rename the vCSAVM

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to vSphereDocumentation,"Changing a VirtualMachine Name"

Change the [email protected]

Notsupported

Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to vSphereDocumentation,"Change yourvCenter ServerSingle Sign-onPassword"

Change the VxRailExternalManagement UserPassword(management@localos)


Change the passwordof the vCSA root user(root@vCSA)

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to vSphereDocumentation,"Change thePassword of the RootUser"

Internal vCSA management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on managing the vCenter Server Virtual Appliance (vCSA) on VxRailsystems with an internal vCenter, refer to SolVe Online for VxRail or the VMware vSpheredocumentation.

The following table lists the vCSA administrative tasks for internal vCenter systems by VxRailsystem software release.

Table 20 vCSA (internal vCenter) management tasks

Task 4.0.1xx 4.0.200 4.0.3xx,4.0.4xx,4.0.5xx

4.5.x 4.7.xxx 7.0.000 Notes

Change the VxRailvSphere ComponentsSSL Certificates forInternal vCSA

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to SolVe Onlinefor VxRail

Change the vCSA IPaddress

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Contact Support



Table 20 vCSA (internal vCenter) management tasks (continued)

Task 4.0.1xx 4.0.200 4.0.3xx,4.0.4xx,4.0.5xx

4.5.x 4.7.xxx 7.0.000 Notes

Rename the vCSAhost

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Rename the vCSAVM

Notsupported

Notsupported


Change the InternalvCSA AdministratorPassword([email protected])

Notsupported


Change the VxRailExternalManagement UserPassword(management@localos)

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to SolVe Onlinefor VxRail

Change the passwordof the vCSA root user(root@vCSA)

Notsupported


Migrating from a VxRail vCenter Server to a customer-supplied vCenter Server

Migrating a VxRail cluster from a VxRail-based vCenter Server to a customer-supplied (external)vCenter Server requires a custom professional service engagement. Please contact your accountteam for additional information.

The following table lists the vCenter migration tasks by VxRail system software release.

Table 21 vCenter migration tasks

Task 4.0.1xx 4.0.200 4.0.3xx, 4.0.4xx,4.0.5xx


Migrate VxRailCluster fromEmbedded vCenterto External vCenter

Notsupported

Notsupported

Yes Yes Yes This task requires acustomprofessionalserviceengagement.Contact youraccount team.



iDRAC configuration management tasksAfter your VxRail Appliance is installed and run for the first time, be cautious when changing anyIntegrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) settings.

The following table lists the iDRAC administrative tasks by VxRail system software release.

Table 22 iDRAC management tasks


Change the OS to IDRACpassthrough via the USBsetting

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Do not change this setting

Reset iDRAC to factorydefaults

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Do not reset iDRAC tofactory defaults

Modify the vSwitch for theiDRAC network

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Do not change any settingssuch as vusb, vnic,vmkernel port, or iDRACstandard porgtroup

Change iDRAC https port Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Do not change the iDRAChttps port

Change iDRAC account Notsupported

4.5.300 Yes Yes Refer to "ConfiguringVxRail host iDRACsettings" in the AdminGuide, or SolVe Online forVxRail

Change iDRAC VLANconfiguration

Notsupported

4.5.300 Yes Yes

Create a new iDRACaccount

Notsupported

4.5.300 Yes Yes

Configure iDRAC IPv4networking

Notsupported

4.5.300 Yes Yes

iSCSI management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on connecting to iSCSI storage, refer to the External Storagesection of the online help or the Administration Guide, and to the VMware vSphere documentation.

The following table lists the iSCSI administrative tasks by VxRail system software release.

Table 23 iSCSI management tasks


Connect to an iSCSI server Yes Yes Yes External Storage section ofthe online help or theAdministration Guide



Log server management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on managing the log server, refer to SolVe Online for VxRail.

The following table lists the log server administrative tasks by VxRail system software release.

Table 24 Log server management tasks

Task 4.0.1xx 4.0.200, 4.0.3xx,4.0.4xx, 4.0.5xx


Point to a newexternal log server IPaddress

Notsupported


NFS management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on connecting to an NFS server, refer to the External Storagesection of the online help or the Administration Guide, and to the VMware vSphere documentation.

The following table lists the NFS administrative tasks by VxRail system software release.

Table 25 NFS management tasks


Connect to an NFS server Yes Yes Yes Yes External Storage section ofthis Administration Guide

NTP server management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on managing network time protocol (NTP) servers, refer to SolVeOnline for VxRail.

The following table lists the NTP server administrative tasks by VxRail system software release.

Table 26 NTP server management tasks


Point to a new NTP serverIP address


vSphere Distributed Switch (VDS) management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on managing the vSphere Distributed Switch (VDS) refer to SolVeOnline for VxRail or the VMware vSphere documentation.

The following table lists the VDS administrative tasks by VxRail system software release.



Table 27 vSphere Distributed Switch (VDS) management tasks

Task 4.0.1xx 4.0.200, 4.0.3xx,4.0.4xx, 4.0.5xx


Add a new port groupon default VDS

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to vSphereDocumentation, "Adda Distributed PortGroup"

Add a new port groupon new VDS (DellNode)

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to vSphereDocumentation "Adda Distributed PortGroup"

Add a new VDS(DellNode)

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to vSphereDocumentation ,"Create a vSphereDistributed Switch"

Change default VDSNIOC configuration


Change IP of vMotionNetwork

Notsupported


Change IP of vSANNetwork (VxRailSupplied vCenter)

Notsupported


Change IP of vSANNetwork (CustomerSupplied vCenter)

Notsupported


Change Physical NICPorts of ManagementTraffic

Notsupported


Notsupported

Notsupported

Change Physical NICPorts of VM NetworkTraffic


Change Physical NICPorts of vMotionTraffic

Yes Yes Notsupported

Notsupported

Notsupported

Refer to SolVe Onlinefor VxRail

Change Physical NICPorts of vSAN Traffic

Notsupported


Notsupported

Notsupported

Change VLAN ID ofManagement,vCenter Server, andVxRail ManagementNetwork(VxRailSupplied vCenter)

Notsupported


Change VLAN ID ofVM Networks




Table 27 vSphere Distributed Switch (VDS) management tasks (continued)

Task 4.0.1xx 4.0.200, 4.0.3xx,4.0.4xx, 4.0.5xx


Change VLAN ID ofvMotion


Change VLAN ID ofvSAN Network


Enable Jumbo Frame Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to SolVe Onlinefor VxRail

Enable networkteaming LACP

Notsupported


Notsupported

Notsupported

Rename default portgroups

Notsupported


Rename default VDS Notsupported


Share network trafficwith vSAN


VM folder management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on managing the VM folder, refer to SolVe Online for VxRail.

The following table lists the VM folder related administrative tasks by VxRail system softwarerelease.

Table 28 VM folder management tasks


Rename the VM folder Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to SolVe Online forVxRail

vSphere Standard Switch (VSS) management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on managing the vSphere Standard Switch (VSS), refer to theVMware vSphere documentation.

The following table lists the VSS related administrative tasks by VxRail system software release.



Table 29 vSphere Standard Switch (VSS) management tasks


Add a new VSS (Dell Node) Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to the vSphereDocumentation, "Create avSphere Standard Switch"

VxRail Manager plugin/application management tasksFor step-by-step instructions on managing the VxRail Manager Plugin for VMware vCenter (orsimply "VxRail Manager"), refer to SolVe Online for VxRail.

The following table lists the VxRail Manager plugin/application administrative tasks by VxRailsystem software release.

Table 30 VxRail Manager plugin/application management tasks

Task 4.0.1xx 4.0.200

4.0.3xx 4.0.4xx 4.0.5xx 4.5.x 4.7.xxx 7.0.xxx Notes

Replace theVxRail ManagerSSL Certificate

Noa No Yesb Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to SolVeOnline for VxRail

Change theVxRail ManagerVM Hostnameand IP Address

No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Contact Support

Change theVxRail VM name

No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to SolVeOnline for VxRail

Change theVxRail MysticaccountPassword

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to SolVeOnline for VxRail

Change theVxRail rootaccountPassword

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to SolVeOnline for VxRail

Backup andrestore keyVxRail Managerfiles for recoverypurposes

No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Refer to SolVeOnline for VxRail

a. No = Task is not supported for this releaseb. Yes = Task is supported for this release





CHAPTER 8

Replacing and adding hardware

You may be able to add or replace hardware components on your VxRail Appliance such as harddisk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), power supplies, and so on. Only qualified personnelshould perform these procedures. For some hardware components, you may need to contactCustomer Support to arrange for repair or replacement.

Refer to the online support website or SolVe Online for VxRail for hardware-specific information.

Using SolVe Online for VxRail Series hardware tasks

Step-by-step hardware component tasks such as replacement and upgrade procedures areavailable through SolVe Online for VxRail.

CAUTION To avoid potential data loss, refer to the VxRail Series procedures in SolVe Onlinebefore performing any hardware replacement or upgrade procedures.

Access SolVe Online for VxRail through your Web browser.


You must have an online support account to use SolVe.

l Replacing HDD and SSD drives..............................................................................................76l Adding HDD and SSD drives.................................................................................................. 77




Replacing HDD and SSD drivesVxRail Manager provides automated assistance with replacing disks (HDDs and SSDs) in yourVxRail Appliance.

Although VxRail Manager simplifies the replacement procedure, only qualified personnel shouldperform these procedures.

CAUTION If your VxRail Appliance is configured with Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe)drives, do not use the automated VxRail Manager workflow. Refer to SolVe Online for VxRailfor step-by-step procedures to add or replace drives using the vSphere Web Client.

CAUTION For appliances without NVMe drives, do not use vCenter Server, or any other tool,in conjunction with the automated hardware replacement process.

Note:

l Using the automated HDD replacement workflow, only one HDD can be replaced at a time(with no other devices).

l Using the automated SSD replacement workflow, only one SSD can be replaced at a time(with no other devices).

The overall replacement procedure is described in the following steps. Refer to the followingsections for detailed instructions.

1. To start the replacement procedure navigate to the VxRail Physical view window and locatethe host you want.

2. Click the drive you want to replace.

3. On the Actions menu select Replace Disk and follow the prompts.

4. Replace the device.

5. Complete the replacement wizard prompts.

Replacing drives in VxRail ManagerFollow this procedure to replace a hardware component using the VxRail Manager Plugin forVMware vCenter.

Before you begin

If your VxRail Appliance is configured with Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) drives, do notuse the automated VxRail Manager workflow. Refer to SolVe Online for VxRail application for step-by-step procedures to add or replace drives using the vSphere Web Client.

Procedure

1. On the main page of the vSphere Client click Hosts and Clusters in the left navigation barand select the VxRail host you want.



3. Click a Disk in the Front View or Back View.

The Disk Information panel is displayed for that node.

4. On the Disk Information panel Actions menu select Replace Disk.

5. Confirm that the disk you want to replace is listed and click Next.

VxRail validates the disk to be removed.



6. When validation is complete, click Next.

7. Click Next to confirm the disk replacement operation.

VxRail cleans up the old disk.

8. When disk clean up is complete click Next.

9. Replace the HDD or SSD drive in the appropriate slot on your VxRail Appliance chassis.

Follow the steps described in your VxRail Appliance hardware guide.

Refer to the VxRail online support site or SolVe Online for VxRail application for hardware-specific information.

10. After you have replaced the physical drive, check the I have replaced a new disk in thecorrect slot of the host shown above and then click Next.

VxRail Manager initializes the replacement drive.

11. When the disk is initialized successfully click Finish.

Adding HDD and SSD drivesVxRail Manager provides automated assistance with adding disks (HDDs and SSDs) in your VxRailAppliance.

Although VxRail Manager simplifies the process for adding disks, only qualified personnel shouldperform these procedures.

CAUTION If your VxRail Appliance is configured with Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe)drives, do not use the automated VxRail Manager workflow. Refer to SolVe Online for VxRailapplication for step-by-step procedures to add or replace drives using the vSphere Web Client.

CAUTION Ensure that you add an HDD or SSD only in the exact location you selected in VxRailManager.

Note: Using the automated HDD or SSD add workflow, only one HDD or SSD can be added at atime (with no other devices).

The overall disk add procedure is described in the following steps. Refer to the following sectionsfor detailed instructions.

1. To start the replacement procedure navigate to the VxRail Manager Physical view window andlocate the host you want.

2. Click the node in which you want to add a disk.

3. An the Actions menu select Add Disk and follow the prompts.

4. Install the drive.

5. Complete the Add Disk wizard prompts.

Preparing to add drives in VxRail ManagerFollow this procedure to add a disk using the VxRail Manager Plugin for VMware vCenter.

Before you begin

If your VxRail Appliance is configured with Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) drives, do notuse the automated VxRail Manager workflow. Refer to the SolVe Desktop application for step-by-step procedures to add or replace drives using the vSphere Web Client.



Procedure

1. On the main page of the vSphere Client click Hosts and Clusters in the left navigation barand select the VxRail cluster you want.


3. Select a host and click the name link.

The Physical View pane is displayed.

4. In the Actions menu select Add Disk.

The Add Disk window is displayed.

5. On the Insert New Disk screen, select one of the following and then click Next:

l Yes, I have inserted new disk(s) if you have already installed the disks in the chassis.

l No, I want to get suggestion on disk slots for the new disks if you would like VxRail tohelp you decide where to put the new disk.

6. If you selected Yes, I have inserted new disk(s) VxRail skips to the Verify Disk step (seebelow).

7. If you selected No, I want to get suggestion on disk slots for the new disks follow thesesteps: VxRail prompts you to

a. Enter the following Disk Suggestion Options:

l Disk Type: Select Cache Disk or Capacity Disk.

l Number of disks: Enter the number of disks being added.

b. Enter the disk type and quantity and click Next.

The Disk Suggestions screen is displayed, showing a list of suggested chassis slots.

c. Install the new HDD or SSD drive into the appropriate slot on your VxRail Appliancechassis.

Follow the steps described in your VxRail Appliance hardware guide.

Refer to the VxRail online support site or SolVe Online for VxRail application forhardware-specific information.

d. After you have installed the physical drive, click I have inserted new disks and then clickNext.

8. On the Verify Disk screen, VxRail displays the disks it has detected. Verify the diskinformation and click Next.

VxRail validates the new disks and displays a list in the Validate screen.

9. Correct any errors that displayed. You can also choose to click Ignore to dismiss the error.

10. Click Next.

VxRail completes the disk addition and display the status on the Complete Addition screen.

11. When the process is complete click Finish to close the wizard.



Documents

Dell EMC VxRail™ Administration Guide · 2020. 8. 22. · l VMware virtualization products l Data center appliances and infrastructure Note: VxRail HCI System Software includes